Race Photographer and Rider/ The Great Divide Race

[AlienFarmPhoto]

Hi My name is Eddie Mason.  I am an avid cyclist.  I am also a Photographer.  I am looking to do this ride next summer  I want to complete the ride within the guidelines of the race but with no pressure to compete.  Slow and easy on a single speed 29er.  I want to capture the essence of this ride.  The beauty through my photography.  I am preparing a kickstarter project to fund this venture so I hope you will be on the lookout.  I am reaching out to you for any advice from anyone who has done this ride or competed in the underground race.  I am a former resident of Summit County, CO and have ridden from CO to Virginia on a bicycle with a 75 lb Bob Trailer.  I do know what I am getting into.  I'm mostly looking for a rough estimate on the cost.  If anyone can help Id appreciate it

[fastmtnbiker33w]

I haven't done it yet.  Check other threads to cost.  Not considering transportation to/from start/finish and equipment expenses....I'm looking at $2,000 for my on the trail budget for around 18 days.  The longer you take, the more it will cost.

Sponsor yourself!

[mikepro]

This recent thread from a few weeks ago, and the links to other threads contained within it, has plenty enough info to evaluate $...
http://www.bikepacking.net/forum/index.php/topic,6252.0.html

[Nathan Jones]

I'm also guessing you mean Tour Divide (Banff to Antelope Wells), and not the Great Divide Race (Roosville to Antelope Wells).  I only say that because I believe I was the last person to race the GDR, I really like knowing that fact and I can't resist the chance to point it out.

[trebor]

expect to spend $25-30/day on food depending how what you like and how many calories you need. consider how many times you might need a motel/hotel room at +/- $75/night. expect to buy a full drive-train and at least one tire (you may make it without needing, but better to expect the cost).

then all the costs associated with training, buying/testing gear, food increase during training (you eat like a horse when you dramatically increase your training) and never forget that you'll wear out a bunch of bike components while training.

then travel to and from the event as well as income lost if you have to take off time without the benefit of a lot of vacation time.

i'd guess i've spent $10k-12k between 2010 and 2012 with training and two TD starts. I say "guess" as I refuse to actually add it all up.